AstroDay to be Held at Prince Kuhio Plaza May 4

The 18th annual AstroDay will be held at Hilo’s Prince Kuhio Plaza on Saturday, May 4, 2019. Over 30 science and community organizations from around the state will fascinate participants of all ages. Free, fun, educational activities and programs will be ongoing throughout the day. Exciting science demos, entertainment and awards will be at the mid-mall stage.

“AstroDay is comprised of volunteers from the communities of astronomy, engineering, technology, environmental science, and education, who want to share their passion for science with their neighbors,” explains Carolyn Kaichi, event coordinator from the University of Hawai‘i Institute for Astronomy (IfA). “Itʻs also exciting to have the participation of representatives from IfA O‘ahu and observatories on Maui as well.”

“Astronomy grad students bring energy and creativity to many of the fun science activities at AstroDay ” PC: UH Institute for Astronomy (IfA)

AstroDay highlights include Starlab—a portable planetarium provided by Gemini Observatory, solar viewing by experienced science guides, robotics clubs, educational games and toys, and many hands-on activities. Colorful and informative material will be available, as well as displays from diverse organizations. For information and updates on the event, go online.

AstroDay also sponsors the Maunakea Coin Contest, a graphic design competition open to all Hawaiʻi Island students grades K-12. The purpose of the contest is to promote awareness of the relationships between the science of modern astronomy and Hawaiian culture. One overall winner and several category winners are awarded. The 2019 Coin Contest winners will be announced at the opening ceremony of the AstroDay program, beginning at 10 a.m.

The overall winning artwork becomes the official design of the AstroDay collector coins, t-shirts and posters for the following year. Go online for more information.

“Astronomy grad students bring energy and creativity to many of the fun science activities at AstroDay.” PC: UH Institute for Astronomy (IfA)

AstroDay is an annual event sponsored by the Maunakea Astronomy Outreach Committee (MKAOC). MKAOC is a partnership of scientists, administrators and educators in astronomy throughout the state of Hawaiʻi. The mission of MKAOC is to coordinate and organize the collective outreach efforts of the astronomy community and act as a forum for the astronomy community and related organizations to plan and coordinate outreach activities.